- Fantasy Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence
- FLDI Chapter 136
The Silver Moon Breathing Technique truly lives up to its reputation as a high-level knight’s technique—its cultivation efficiency far surpasses that of the Eagle Breathing Technique. Even though the Silver Moon Breathing Technique is incomplete while the Eagle Technique is whole, the difference remains stark.
And this is only at the Grand Knight level. Upon reaching Earth Knight or even Sky Knight, the gap will likely be even greater.
After over a month of training, Thor finally understood why his father claimed that the Silver Moon Breathing Technique could increase his breakthrough chance by nearly 20% or more. He came to grasp what a high-level breathing technique truly means to a knight.
He now understands why high-ranking nobles, with their higher-quality breathing techniques, have a significantly greater chance of producing strong knights. It’s not just about talent; it’s about resources.
For an ordinary knight’s family, forming a life seed is already an extremely difficult task. However, in a baron’s household, it’s not nearly as challenging to become an apprentice knight. The only question is whether you’ll form a life seed at twenty or fifty years old. Still, producing a Grand Knight is exceedingly difficult.
In an earl’s family, however, it becomes considerably easier. Take Maurice, for instance; he’s already a Grand Knight at barely over thirty, and while reaching Earth Knight might not be certain, reaching the pinnacle of Grand Knight is almost guaranteed.
As for marquis and ducal families—there’s no need to even elaborate.
The Silver Moon Breathing Technique has, in a way, narrowed a vast chasm between the Dresrosa family and a duke’s family. Now, only resources are lacking.
And as for resources, while the Dresrosa family might still lack some, Thor does not.
With the Silver Moon Knight Breathing Technique, Thor’s strength will surely skyrocket in the coming time.
“Who knows, maybe I could reach Earth Knight within two years.”
Thor murmured, a glimmer of expectation crossing his face.
Previously, he didn’t dare dream of such a possibility.
With his previous talent, he would have needed at least two to three years just to break through as a full knight, with ten or more years for Grand Knight, possibly even several decades. As for Earth Knight, that was simply out of his reach.
Later, even with the boost from his Elven Shared Contract, which significantly enhanced his talent and allowed him to cross the threshold into full and Grand Knight, he still anticipated needing around five or six years to break through to Earth Knight.
But now, with the Silver Moon Breathing Technique, the possibility of becoming an Earth Knight within two years seemed achievable.
And once he became an Earth Knight, his role in the Kingdom’s war would be greater, potentially earning him the chance to vie for an earl’s title.
An earl—that was an earl. The Dresrosa family itself had only reached the level of an earl.
The very thought filled him with excitement.
Pushing these thoughts aside, Thor shook his head. Currently, he was only at the mid-stage of Grand Knight, still far from these grand visions.
“Father should be back soon. I wonder how it went for him!”
Thor murmured, looking into the distance.
As if in response to his thoughts, a knight hurried toward him.
“Master Thor!”
“The Earl has returned and has asked for you to come to the study!”
The knight spoke respectfully as he approached.
“Father’s back.”
“Alright, I’ll head there now!”
Thor’s face lit up with excitement, and without delay, he tidied himself and made his way toward the castle.
Moments later, Thor entered the study and found the dust-laden Earl Engel.
“Father.”
Thor greeted respectfully, breathing a sigh of relief as he saw the smile beneath his father’s fatigue.
“This time, despite some troubles, everything went smoothly. I’ve managed to procure three bottles of advanced life elixirs. The master who assisted took one as payment, leaving us with two.”
Earl Engel spoke, his face still alight with joy.
“Congratulations, Father.”
Thor couldn’t help but smile as well. He hadn’t expected his father to obtain not just one but two bottles, ensuring their success.
Thor’s gaze shifted to the wooden box on the desk, though he refrained from asking any questions.
“Hahaha!”
“Next, I plan to go into seclusion. Within three days, I should be able to break through to Sky Knight. Train well, and I’ll save the other bottle for you.”
The Earl’s smile deepened as he spoke with a solemn tone.
“This!”
Thor was taken aback; he hadn’t anticipated that he would receive a bottle for himself.
“There’s no need to refuse. If not for the life fruit and the purple gold grass you acquired, I might not have succeeded. And let’s not forget the Silver Moon Breathing Technique you’ve brought to our family.”
Seeing Thor’s hesitation, Earl Engel continued more earnestly.
“Thank you, Father.”
Seeing his father’s insistence, Thor accepted his gratitude sincerely. After all, he might find himself needing it in the future.
“Think nothing of it. This is your due.”
“Also, I called you here to give you this.”
The Earl gestured toward the wooden box on the desk.
“What’s this?”
Curious, Thor glanced at the box.
“Open it.”
Earl Engel smiled.
Thor nodded, lifting the lid.
Inside, he found a pitch-black knight’s sword, causing his eyes to light up.
A knight’s sword—exactly what he needed. His previous one had shattered after multiple infusions of his unique life energy.
He hadn’t expected his father to prepare one for him.
“This sword belonged to Cadmus, the legendary Earth Knight of the kingdom. It’s said that Cadmus once injured a dragon with it.”
“Use it well.”
The Earl’s smile was filled with pride.
He’d spent a considerable amount to procure this sword during his trip to the capital, all for his son.
“Thank you, Father.”
“Then I won’t disturb you further. May you soon break through.”
Thor expressed his gratitude and took his leave.
“Hahaha, good!”
The Earl nodded.
Thor took the wooden box and left, while Earl Engel began preparing for his breakthrough.
Thor knew there was nothing more he could do to help at this point. His father’s success depended solely on his own abilities.
All he needed to do now was wait.
Leaving the Earl’s chambers, he headed to the training grounds with the knight’s sword to get acquainted with it.
As expected of a sword wielded by a legendary knight, the weight and balance felt vastly different from his previous sword.
It wasn’t just heavier; more importantly, it seamlessly channeled his unique life energy, showing no strain.
And perhaps it was a trick of his mind, but Thor even felt the sword seemed to enhance his life energy.
“Impressive.”
Thor murmured to himself, filled with admiration.
With this knight’s sword, along with Anna’s magical enhancements, he was confident he could overpower Deguri in a confrontation. Of course, Deguri was one thing—if he were to face his cousin, a true Earth Knight, he would still have a hard time.
But for now, he was only at mid-Grand Knight level. Should he reach the late or even peak Grand Knight stage, he’d likely be able to do more than just hold his own against an Earth Knight.
This made him extremely pleased with the sword.
For the next few days, Thor devoted himself to becoming acquainted with the new sword and awaited news of his father’s return from seclusion.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
On the fourth day, as Thor prepared to head to the training grounds, the steward, Charlie, approached him.
“Has Father finished his retreat?” Thor asked with excitement.
“Yes, the master just came out and has asked you to come to the study,” Charlie replied respectfully.
“Understood!”
Thor nodded without hesitation, promptly heading to the upper levels of the castle. Although he had intended to train, this matter took precedence. Nothing was more important than knowing whether his father had successfully advanced to Sky Knight.
Filled with anticipation and nervousness, Thor quickly reached the study door.
Knock, knock.
He gently tapped on the door, feeling his heart pound in his chest.
“Come in!”
Hearing the familiar voice, Thor carefully opened the door.
After three days, he finally saw his father again.
Compared to the dusty figure he remembered, Earl Engel now looked every bit the nobleman, exuding a gentle and warm demeanor. His previous weariness had vanished, replaced by a composed confidence.
“Father, you… you’ve broken through?” Thor’s eyes lit up as he took in his father’s presence, immediately sensing the change.
Earl Engel nodded with a smile. “Luck was on my side. I broke through in one attempt and didn’t even need to use your potion.”
This success lifted a great weight from his heart.
Ten years—it had taken a full ten years.
Or rather, twenty years if he were honest.
He had nearly given up hope.
Yet, just as he was about to surrender, he had broken through.
A Sky Knight.
A Sky Knight was rare, with fewer than ten in the kingdom’s ranks. Even accounting for those hidden from public knowledge, there couldn’t be more than twenty.
Each Sky Knight, even without noble status, commanded a standing above that of a typical marquis.
A family with a Sky Knight had the potential to elevate its standing during the kingdom’s conflicts—perhaps even rising to marquis or higher.
And most importantly, he was already approaching seventy years old. Without reaching Sky Knight, his lifespan would have been capped at around a hundred, leaving him less than thirty years.
With the breakthrough, his lifespan extended to one hundred twenty years, granting him another fifty years. Fifty years in which, barring any unfortunate incidents, he could oversee a true transformation for the Dresrosa family.
“Congratulations, Father!” Thor offered his heartfelt congratulations, his voice filled with excitement.
A Sky Knight! This wasn’t just any alliance; this was his family, his father.
Neilmorton, though helpful, could only assist occasionally without risking their relationship. His father, however, was entirely different.
As the Dresrosa family grew stronger, so too would Thor’s security. His plans for development in the northern province would be far smoother with this new strength.
“Hahaha, Thor, this is thanks to you!”
“As I said, that high-level life potion is yours. Once you reach the peak of Earth Knight, you may use it anytime. Or, if you’re more comfortable taking it now, you can do so.”
The earl beamed at his son, his satisfaction evident.
Hearing his father’s words, Thor felt a surge of temptation.
After a moment of thought, he didn’t refuse. A high-level life potion could be used for more than breaking through to Sky Knight, and in the northern provinces, he couldn’t be certain he wouldn’t need it.
“Thank you, Father!” he replied, accepting the offer with gratitude.
“Hahaha, it’s not you who should be thanking me—it’s I who should be thanking you.”
The earl shook his head with a sigh, showing no objection to Thor taking the potion, as these resources had come from Thor in the first place.
(End of Chapter)